Arts & Entertainment

Gay high holy day

Madonna brings ‘MDNA Tour’ to D.C.

Published

13 years ago

September 24, 2012

It sounds silly to say unless you were there, but Madonna’s show at the Verizon Center in D.C. last night — her first shows here since 2004 — felt like a wild mix of gay church, homecoming and an eye-popping musical extravaganza that, at times, rivaled a Cirque du Soleil production in scale, scope and special effects.

Madonna last night in D.C. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)

Though barely anyone sat down the whole night, when the lights came up for a fourth quarter sing-along to “Like a Prayer,” there was an energy and fervor in the room that felt positively spiritual. It wasn’t so much, for me anyway, about the musicianship of the moment. I even winced a time or two at the thin vocals (she deserves credit for singing it live, though!), but that didn’t feel to me the point. In an arena full of what appeared to be about 70 percent gay men, the “Prayer” singalong felt more like a celebration of everything Madonna has always represented — you can be spiritual, intelligent, gay and have fun. And — projecting and paraphrasing of course — the stodgy old anti-gay gatekeepers of the Roman Catholic church, don’t think for a minute it’s their way or nothing. Yes, they’re onto something powerful and timeless, but they’re not the gatekeepers.

A bone for the gays. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)

Sure, this isn’t a new thing by any means — Madonna has been using religious imagery to powerful concert effect at least since the “Blonde Ambition Tour,” but somehow this time out, it had a freshness and impact that totally worked. Arriving on stage in a confessional booth in one of her best tour entrances ever, this was an evening that brought with it redemptive powers. It’s also one of her best tours in ages — true, a Madonna show is never a bad show, but the arrangements, mix of old and new and staging, not to mention the flawless execution last night by all involved, has a hypnotic effect that can’t be fully conveyed. She plays another D.C. show tonight. Tickets are still available.

Almost everything worked in the expertly paced two-hour show. A pleasant surprise, considering her last few tours, was how faithful some of the arrangements were on the old hits. After having reworked “Vogue,” “Holiday,” and “Like a Prayer” so radically on outings’ past, it was great to hear them in near-original form for a change this time. While some of her re-imaginings other times have been amazing — I loved the gypsy/mariachi take on “La Isla Bonita” last time — this backfires as often as it works.

Last night’s percussion-heavy reworking of “Open Your Heart” was just so-so and a loungy, torchy “Like a Virgin” failed to pick up any heat, but thankfully there were enough faithful interpretations of other songs to make things largely effective overall. Second-tier, and more recent semi-hits, like “Revolver” and “Celebration” from her last hits collection, were unexpected surprises. And with “Papa Don’t Preach” and “Express Yourself” included as well, there wasn’t the slightest feeling Madonna was being stingy with the hits. They blended very well with material from her excellent new album. Some of the most effective moments of the evening were new songs like a blistering “I Don’t Give A” and an intensely satisfying “I’m Addicted.”

(Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)

The band, sets, dancers, choreography, video montages and special effects were all super top-notch. And yes, there was a slight sense that for perhaps the first time, she left most of the tricky dance steps to the troupe, not always joining right in as she has in other tours. I noticed it, but it didn’t dampen the proceedings.

A lot has been made of the Tarantino-esque violence of the first quarter shooting rampage that accompanies “Girl Gone Wild” and “Gang Bang.” It was intense — blood splattering across arena-size monster jumbo screens is a jolt for sure — but it felt more cartoonish and campy than literal or disconcerting to me. In an evening where everything was writ as large as possible, it felt, to me, just one more piece of a broad emotional collage. One appreciates light much more after great darkness.

Even when there’s a song or two that aren’t what you would have picked — did we really need “Human Nature” again, for instance? — or an arrangement or two that left you cold, all that really is quibbling. Madonna never phones it in, never takes the easy route, never — even with a generous bounty of ’80s hits in the mix — feels like she’s a nostalgia act stuck in another era. Her live vocals — typically the calling card for a concert — are not her long suit, but to get too hung up on that is to miss the point entirely. Yeah, it’s always fun to see great legends in concert, but so many of them are on the gravy train and plow through their hits like they’re crossing off a grocery list. Madonna’s insistence on keeping it fresh even after all these years, remains an awe-inspiring thing.

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Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

Published

16 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

16 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, January 20

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, January 22

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Sports

Capitals to host 10th annual Pride night

Pre-game block party planned at District E

Published

17 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.

Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.